Special Olympics Athletes Research Articles

Prevalence of podiatric conditions seen in Special Olympics athletes: A comparison of USA data to an international population

BackgroundPersons with intellectual disabilities frequently have podiatric conditions. Limited information exists on their prevalence in international cohorts of Special Olympics (SO) athletes. Findings from multiple United States (US) venues are compared to those from athletes screened at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece (ATHENS). MethodsData from Fit Feet screenings from 2096 ATHENS participants was compared to 7192 US participants. ResultsFrequently noted in the ATHENS population were motion restriction in both the ankle and the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (1st MTPJ), pes planus, metatarsus adductus, brachymetatarsia, hallux abducto valgus (HAV), onychomycosis, onychocryptosis, and tinea pedis. ATHENS differed from the US cohort as HAV and restricted ankle joint and 1st MTPJ joint motion was less frequent. Significantly more tinea pedis, xerosis, and hyperhidrosis were present in the ATHENS population. Discussion/ConclusionSO athletes have a higher prevalence of podiatric structural conditions compared to the general population, and some vary between ATHENS versus US. Less prevalent in ATHENS was HAV, and restricted motion in both the ankle and 1st MTPJ. This may reflect differences due to varied clinical observers. The higher rates of several dermatological conditions in ATHENS may reflect venue seasonal climate, or social factors.

Relationships between Self-efficacy and Collective Efficacy at the Family/Community Level and Mental Health among Families of Special Olympics Athletes

Relationships between Self-efficacy and Collective Efficacy at the Family/Community Level and Mental Health among Families of Special Olympics Athletes

Exploring Body Image and Body Mass Index of Male and Female Special Olympics Athletes

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are largely marginalized within society and are understudied as a group (Reel & Bucciere, 2011). Although there have been numerous body image studies with able-bodied athletes, this study represents the first attempt to explore body image of male and female Special Olympics athletes. Athletes (N = 103) were 18–61 years of age (M = 33.34; SD = 11.20) and represented mild to moderate severity for diagnosable intellectual disabilities. Height and weight were measured to determine body mass index (BMI). Body image was verbally assessed via individual interviews using the Figure Ratings Scale and open-ended items. Female athletes had a significantly higher BMI (M = 33.02, SD = 9.28) than male athletes (M = 28.24, SD = 7.38). The BMI means for the female and male athletes met the classifications for obese and overweight, respectively. There was also a negative relationship between body satisfaction and BMI in the overall sample (r = -.46), male athletes only (r = -.51), and female athletes only (r = -.38, indicating that higher BMI was associated with lower body satisfaction. Descriptive statistics revealed that 51% of female athletes and 37% of male athletes desired a thinner physique, whereas 20% of female athletes and 29.6% of male athletes wanted to be larger. There were no significant gender differences in levels of overall body dissatisfaction in this study.

Latin‐American Special Olympics athletes: evaluation of oral health status, 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health status and dental needs of the athletes with intellectual disabilities from Latin-American and Caribbean countries who were participating in the II Latin-American Special Olympics games held in Puerto Rico, February 2010. There were 930 athletes who participated in the games, of whom 445 received a dental examination, including 367 from Latin-American and 78 from Caribbean countries. Forty-four trained and standardized dental professionals performed dental screenings of athletes with intellectual disabilities, following Special Olympic Special Smiles and CDC protocols. These criteria were used to record untreated caries, missing and filled teeth, and gingival status. Socio-demographics, existence, and severity of pain and oral hygiene habits were assessed by questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using EPI-INFO and SPSS Statistical Program to produce descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Untreated dental caries was recorded for more than half of the examined athletes. Missing teeth were noted in more than one-third of the athletes. More than half of the participants had signs of gingival disease and half needed preventive mouth guards. Statistics for each Latin-American country suggests a dissimilar trend of dental decay and treatment needs among nations. While the Special Olympic athletes may not be representative of the entire population of individuals with intellectual disabilities in their specific country, the general consistency of the oral health status of these athletes from the 31 countries supports the certainty of the need for increased dental services for individuals with intellectual disability in the respective countries.

The Placement of a Glass Ionomer Surface Protection Material on Permanent Molars of Special Olympics Athletes

Background: Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings in various health areas to Special Olympics athletes. The Special Smiles Program within that organization provides oral health screening and data collection for intellectually disabled special athletes participating in sports events. These athletes in many parts of the world have been reported to have poor oral health and high unmet treatment needs. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the oral status of Turkish Special Olympics athletes, and to assess the quantity of untreated caries and dental restorative needs, using specifically dedicated screening forms designed to be helpful in motivating oral hygiene, and also to evaluate the clinical applicability of a high fluoride content glass ionomer sealant and surface protection material (Fuji TRIAGE®, GC Europe N.V.), on permanent molars of a group of Special Olympics athletes. Methods: Ninety-two Special Olympics athletes, aged 8-25, received oral examinations and evaluations by trained volunteers, using the standardized Special Smiles screening forms and protocol. Following the screening, the surface protection material was placed on surfaces of caries-free first permanent molars of athletes by the ART approach. Results: A total of 92 athletes aged 8 to 25 years, 43 (46.7%) females and 49 (53.2%) males, participated in the screening. Of the examined athletes, 34 (37%) cleaned their mouths once daily, 15 (16.3%) reported oral pain, 62 (67.4%) had untreated caries, 16 (17%) had fillings, 60 (65.2%) had gingival signs suggestive of periodontal disease, 38 (41.3%) needed urgent care, and 54 (58.6%) required nonurgent care. The surface protection material was placed on a total of 273 occlusal surfaces of permanent molars. Conclusion: Our findings offer an evaluation of the oral health of a group of Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities in Turkey. Results showed high preventive and restorative oral health needs in the Special Olympics athletes. Therefore, offered in a fun, welcoming environment, effective and easily applied preventive protocols and treatments may be specifically designed for those athletes to be helpful in providing oral hygiene. The glass ionomer surface protection material could be used satisfactorily for caries prevention. The longer-term clinical performance of this material should now be assessed.

Features of social integration of Special Olympics athletes in Ukrainian society

The purpose of research is to improve the social integration of Special Olympics athletes by determining the level of awareness of the Ukrainian society about the problems of people with disabilities mental development. For writing materials used in medical research conducted by College. Le Havre, Kyiv National University is the National University of Physical Education is the Sport. The basic aspects of social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, to the socio-economic situation in Ukraine. The main problems that Special Olympics athletes at social integration, as well as determined the ratio of the Ukrainian society to the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

Oral health findings in athletes with intellectual disabilities at the NYC Special Olympics

This study collected data to describe the oral health in Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities from New York City, using the standardized Special Olympics, Special Smiles protocol. A total of 664 self-selected athletes with intellectual disabilities were screened between 2005 and 2008. A standardized form was used for data collection. Screenings were performed using available light or flashlight, tongue depressor, and disposable mirror. Oral hygiene, reports of oral pain, untreated caries, missing and filled teeth were recorded. The majority of the athletes were 20 years of age or older (52%). Of the examined athletes, 9% reported oral pain, 8% needed urgent care, 28% had untreated caries, 60% had filled teeth, and 32% had signs of gingival disease. Mouthguards were recommended for 26% of athletes. Our findings offer an initial evaluation of the oral health of Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities in New York City. Results showed high preventive and restorative oral health needs in the Special Olympics population.

Foot-to-Shoe Mismatch and Rates of Referral in Special Olympics Athletes

Improperly fitted shoes are frequently seen in athletes participating in Special Olympics competitions. This foot-to-shoe mismatch may result in deformities as well as discomfort and reduced performance or injuries in competitions. A primary purpose for providing medical screenings is to identify conditions unknown and to promptly refer to an appropriate provider for evaluation and care. This study attempts to determine the prevalence of improperly fitted shoes and the rate of referral for Special Olympics athletes screened at Fit Feet venues. To evaluate the foot-to-shoe mismatch and rate of referral, 4,094 Fit Feet screenings of Special Olympics athletes participating in US competitions in 2005 to 2009 were analyzed. The participants were 58.5% male and 41.5% female, with a median age of 25.6 years. A power analysis and the χ(2) test were used. The athletes voluntarily underwent a foot screening that followed the standardized Special Olympics Fit Feet protocol. The Brannock Device for measuring feet was used to assess proper fit. A proper fit was found in 58.56% of the athletes, with 28.60% wearing shoes too big and 12.84% wearing shoes too small. Unrelated to shoe fit, 20% of the athletes required referrals for professional follow-up based on abnormal clinical findings. There is a significant (41.44%) mismatch of foot to shoe in Special Olympics athletes. The most common mismatch is a shoe too big, with a much smaller number of athletes having shoes too small. Awareness of this foot-to-shoe incompatibility may be useful for the development of shoes better designed for athletes with a foot structure not consistent with conventional shoes. Because 20% of the athletes required a referral for professional follow-up, Fit Feet examinations are important for identifying athletes with conditions that can be more readily evaluated and treated, thus improving the athletes' comfort and performance. Beyond knowing the rate of referral, future studies can determine the conditions or findings that necessitate a referral and the ultimate outcome of that referral.

The Times They Are a Changing: Special Olympics and the Movement Towards Valued Lives and Inclusion

Be a Fan. You see that on Special Olympics literature, websites, and paraphernalia. More than a mere slogan, Be a Fan is part of a belief system that values people with intellectual disability for their gifts and talents, their abilities and humanity. I am a Special Olympics volunteer. Like approximately 550,000 people in the United States and 850,000 internationally (Andrea Cahn, personal communication, October 14, 2010), I give a small bit of my time, talent, and treasure to Special Olympics as Senior Advisor to the Chairman and CEO. No, I am not out there coaching or training athletes or refereeing events, that is just not something where I have anything to offer. I am participating in discussions, reviewing or drafting the occasional document, and responding to ideas and issues impacting the inclusion and full citizenship of people with intellectual disability, something I have been doing for most of my adult life. I hope my very small contribution to Special Olympics is helping the movement towards the goals of full citizenship, community membership, and respect for all people with intellectual disability. Movements and organizations, like people, grow and change. I am writing this article because, as the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to change and evolve, I think those who have advocated for community inclusion and participation have an ally, one we have failed to recognize, and with gifts and talents we have ignored, one we need to take seriously, and one who many of us shunned in the past. Special Olympics is a program we need now perhaps more than ever.

The Effect of Combined Exercise Training in Adolescents Who Are Overweight Or Obese With Intellectual Disability: The Role of Training Frequency

Data about effects of exercise training in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) are very limited. This study investigated the effect of 2 different frequencies of the same intensity and total training volume of combined exercise training on indices of body composition, physical fitness, and lipid profile in overweight and obese adolescents with ID. A total of 45 overweight and obese adolescents with ID aged 14-22 years with a total IQ 45-70 received combined exercise training 3 times a week (CET3) for 30 sessions (10 weeks; n = 15), twice a week (CET2) for 30 sessions (15 weeks; n = 15), or no training (10 weeks; n = 15). Groups were matched for age, sex, and education form. Before and after the intervention period, indices of body composition, physical fitness and lipid profile have been evaluated. Compared to the control group, CET3 resulted in a significant improvement of physical fitness, obesity indices, and lipid profile of the participants. Comparing CET2 with CET3, no significantly different evolutions were noticed, except for lower limb strength in favor of exercising 3 times a week. In conclusion, exercising 2 times a week, which is more feasible and practical for participants and guidance, has the same health beneficial effects as 3 times per week in overweight and obese adolescents with ID in short-term training.

Special Olympics IX National Games, Healthy Athletes Program: ‘Fit Feet’

The Special Olympics IX National Games were held in Adelaide, South Australia in April 2010. Podiatrists and podiatry students were invited to participate in the healthy athletes program to assess the feet of athletes with intellectual disability. The World Health Organisation has found that people with an intellectual disability form the largest disability population in the world. Special Olympics (SO) is an international not-for-profit organisation. Globally, SO now supports 3.1 million people in 220 countries. Each year there are 30,000 SO competitions throughout the world. Affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, SO is held in the manner of all Olympic games. There are over 500,000 Australians living with an intellectual disability. Special Olympics Australia supports around 4000 athletes in over 250 sports clubs across metropolitan and rural Australia. SO Australia offers fourteen official national sports: alpine skiing, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, cricket, figure skating, football (soccer), golf, gymnastics, sailing, softball, tennis and tenpin bowling. People with intellectual disability are often overrepresented in areas of preventable health problems, SO provides invaluable opportunity for identifying the frequent health care needs. Podiatry is an essential and core element of any sports and wider mobility issues.Approximately 850 participating athletes registered for the National Games in Adelaide. ‘Fit Feet’ managed to see over 400 athletes; notable as other programs have seen 10% of athletes. Screening of athletes investigated: foot and ankle problems, footwear adequacy. Referral and education were provided as required. In addition to podiatry, the athletes were also availed dental, audiology and optometry health screenings. The Australian Podiatry Association (SA), Special Olympics Australia and the University of South Australia cooperated to provide the screening program for the SO athletes. The University of South Australia acknowledged this project with a commendation at the 2010 Chancellor’s awards for community engagement. The next SO National Games will be held in Melbourne in 2014, where podiatrists and students could have the exciting and rewarding opportunity to participate in the healthy athletes program. The Special Olympics athletes’ oath is: 'Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.'

Prevalence of podiatric conditions seen in Special Olympics athletes: Structural, biomechanical and dermatological findings

Background Podiatric conditions are frequently seen in persons with intellectual disabilities. Unfortunately, many are not detected or addressed. This study attempts to determine the prevalence of a variety of selected podiatric conditions in Special Olympics athletes and compare the findings to studies of a similarly matched general population. Methods Screenings from 1580 Special Olympics athletes participating in a sampling of United States competitions in 2004–2006 were used for the analysis. The athletes voluntarily underwent a foot screening which followed the standardized Special Olympics Fit Feet protocol. Results The most commonly identified conditions included overpronated gait, abducted gait, restriction in both the ankle and the first metatarsal phalangeal joint, pes planus, metatarsus adductus, brachymetatarsia, hallux abducto valgus, onychomycosis, onychocryptosis and tinea pedis. Discussion/Conclusion The prevalence of all the structural conditions was notably higher than a similarly matched general population and both conditions and biomechanical/gait findings associated with ligamentous laxity like pes planus and hallux abducto valgus had especially high prevalence rates. Restricted motion in the ankle and first metatarsal phalangeal joint was surprising and may indicate some athletes have intellectual disabilities with contractures. The higher rates of dermatophyte related conditions may reflect increased exposure from the athletic competition environment, immunocompromise, issues with hygiene or both. Higher rates of onychocryptosis in the athletes may be due to ill fitting shoes and/or hygiene issues.

Somatotype and BMI profiles of Botswana Special Olympics athletes

IntroductionStudies on the somatotype and body mass index (BMI) of athletes with disabilities are very scarce. Those on Special Olympics athletes, particularly of African origin, are even almost non-existent. The...

ARTICLE: Oral health condition and treatment needs of Special Olympics athletes in Nigeria

Special Olympics (SO) athletes in many parts of the world were reported to have poor oral health and high unmet treatment needs. This study was carried out to determine the oral health condition and treatment needs of SO athletes in Nigeria and to suggest ways of improving access to oral healthcare. Consenting athletes who participated in SO events in Nigeria from 2007 to 2008 received oral examination and evaluation by trained volunteers, using standardized Special Smiles screening forms and procedures designed for the event. A total of 1,286 athletes aged 3 to 71 years, 480 (37.3%) females and 806 (62.7%) males, participated in the screening. The majority (86.1%) cleaned their mouths once daily, 12.2% complained of pain, 21.1% had untreated decay, 6.6% had dental injury, 48.1% had gingival signs suggestive of periodontal disease, 15.8% required urgent treatment, and 43.7% required non-urgent treatment. We found that the oral health of SO athletes in this study was poorer than that of the general population in Nigeria.

Evaluation of Community-Based Health Promotion Programs for Special Olympics Athletes

Health screenings conducted during Special Olympics competitions and games have consistently shown that a significant number of athletes with intellectual disabilities (IDs) were overweight or obese, and surveys have indicated that athletes need more fitness training than they receive from their sport practices. In 2002, Special Olympics initiated five community-based health promotion pilot projects for athletes. The projects lasted multiple weeks across the U.S. and were aimed at improving physical fitness and lifestyle behaviors. This study reports on an evaluation of the program and on predictors of program success. The subjects included 56 athletes with ID who participated in these five programs. Data were drawn from interviews with the participants and 54 coaches, residential staff, and parents at baseline and after program completion, along with data from five program directors after program completion. Qualitative and quantitative findings were presented for the following areas: psychosocial and physical health status, physical and nutrition cognitions and supports, and health behaviors among the athletes; program satisfaction among coaches and athletes; and process and structural variables associated with implementation of the programs. Positive psychosocial and health benefits included improved perceived health, reduced body weight, increased fiber intake, improved self-confidence, more positive attitudes toward exercise, and decreased barriers to exercising. Several themes emerged related to implementing health promotion programs, such as obtaining “buy-in” from athletes, coaches, family members, and carers to ensure ongoing support; implementing structured recruitment strategies; formalizing existing relationships; and identifying and incorporating time, money, and transportation constraints and assessment protocols into the program design. Results support the need to broaden health promotion programs to more community-based settings.

Athletic Trainers' Beliefs Toward Working With Special Olympics Athletes

Certified athletic trainers (ATs) are often the first health care providers to treat injured athletes. However, few researchers have studied ATs' beliefs concerning working with Special Olympics athletes. To examine ATs' beliefs toward working with Special Olympics athletes by using the theory of planned behavior model and to examine the influence of moderator variables. Cross-sectional survey. Athletic Trainers' Beliefs Toward Special Olympics Athletes survey instruments were mailed to 147 directors of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-accredited athletic training education programs (ATEPDs) in 43 states and 120 cities. One hundred twenty ATEPDs (44 women, 76 men). We used stepwise multiple regression analysis to determine whether attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control predicted intention and to determine which moderator variables predicted attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Pearson product moment correlations were used to determine ATEPDs' beliefs about how competent they felt working with Special Olympics athletes and whether they were currently working with these athletes. We found that subjective norm, attitude toward the behavior, and perceived behavioral control predicted intention (R = 0.697, R(2) = 0.486, F(3,112) = 35.3, P < .001) and that intention predicted ATEPDs' actual behaviors (R = 0.503, R(2) = 0.253, F(1,118) = 39.995, P < .001). Moderator variables that predicted attitude toward the behavior included more years of experience working with Special Olympics athletes, completion of 1 or more courses in adapted physical activity, ATEPDs' competence, completion of 1 or more special education courses, and sex (R = 0.589, R(2) = 0.347, F(5,111) = 11.780, P < .001). Moderator variables that predicted subjective norm included more experience working with Special Olympics athletes and more Special Olympics certifications (R = 0.472, R(2) = 0.222, F(2,112) = 16.009, P < .001). Moderator variables that predicted perceived behavioral control included ATEPDs' competence, more years of experience working with Special Olympics athletes, and a higher educational degree (R = 0.642, R(2) = 0.412, F(4,113) = 19.793, P < .001). Certified athletic trainers had favorable attitudes about the behavior beliefs toward working with Special Olympics athletes; however, their subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention beliefs were unfavorable. The ATEPDs reported they did not feel competent to work with Special Olympics athletes.

Oral health conditions in Italian Special Olympics athletes

During three Italian Special Olympics National Games, 365 athletes were screened. Dental and medical conditions and demographic data were recorded. The athletes were divided into two groups: those with Down syndrome (DS) and those without DS but who had intellectual disabilities (non-DS). Most of the subjects were in good systemic health. Total DMFt was 10.3 (SD 5.8; D=1.3; M=6.1; F=2.8). Decayed and filled teeth were significantly more frequent in athletes who did not have DS compared to those with DS. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of subjects with filled, sealed, or traumatized teeth. Athletes with DS and without DS who participated in the Italian Special Olympics had a similar oral status, which was better than Italian persons who were institutionalized and who had an intellectual disability.

Pilot evaluation of the impacts of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes→ screening events on referral, follow-up and health behavior of Special Olympics athletes

Pilot evaluation of the impacts of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes→ screening events on referral, follow-up and health behavior of Special Olympics athletes

The Sport Experience of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities: A National Survey of Special Olympics Athletes and Their Families

The purpose of this study was to examine the sport experience for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) who participate in Special Olympics (SO). This study included a nationally representative sample of 1,307 families and 579 athletes in the U.S., focusing on sport involvement over the lifespan and motives for participating and for leaving SO. Athletes with ID are similar to athletes without disabilities in that sport is a significant life experience. They participate in sport for fun (54%) and social interaction (21%). Like athletes without disabilities, SO athletes leave sport because of changes in interest (38%) but also because of program availability (33%). These findings suggest that we continue to document the involvement of people with ID in sports and work to expand the sport opportunities available.

Every smile is special: Healthy Athletes Special Smiles Program makes a difference

A smiling face on an individual can represent someone who may be happy, thankful or witnessing something that may strike them as being funny. But a smile could also denote a person with a positive self-image and self-esteem, personal well-being, or an individual with good overall health including good dental health free from pain or infection. Everyone deserves an opportunity to smile including the 190 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities, along with the 2.5 million Special Olympics athletes competing in sports events locally, nationally, regionally and globally who live in many countries and counting the 6,374 Nigerian athletes who competed in Nigeria Special Olympics events in 2007. Unfortunately, many Special Olympics athletes as well as other individuals with intellectual disabilities are unable to access needed and often medically necessary dental care. This unmet care can cause significant oral pain and infection of both their dentition and supporting soft tissues which, if left untreated could result in considerable morbidity or death. The Special Olympics Special Smiles Program (SOSS) is trying to change worldwide the recognized inadequate access to comprehensive dental care for people with intellectual disabilities by providing educational and training programs for dentists, dental hygienists, dental students, dental hygiene students, dental educators, community leaders and government officials. Nigerian Dental Journal Vol. 16 (1) 2008: pp. 36-39